Kia Seltos & Thar owner test drives Tata Safari diesel: 10 observations

If I get a long queue for the Mahindra Thar Roxx, then I might just buy the Tata Safari facelift because overall, I liked the SUV.

BHPian anish41 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I've a Mahindra Thar Roxx on order. Since there is no official booking timeline yet, I decided to have a look at the Tata Safari. This facelifted Safari is something I have been eyeing since its launch.

Showroom experience:

It was the 5th day of Durga Pooja, as soon I reached the dealership, a new Harrier Dark Edition was being delivered. I went in and sat for 20 mins. A guy finally came in with Safari's pricing details. I nudged him for any running offers since I heard there were massive discounts on Harrier/Safari close to 3L. He initially offered a 70000 cash discount.

Test Drive:

I expected a 2-3 km test drive since this is the norm here.

As I got into the car, I noticed that the white interior was heavily abused and it being a test drive vehicle didn't help.

Everything from the driver seat's POV felt plush and ergonomic. As we drove for a couple of kms, the sales guy asked me to pull over to a petrol pump. The pump has extremely bad roads for its approach and departure. Coming from a Seltos/Thar as a daily, I braced my back for jolts. I was surprised by the low-speed composure of the Safari. I took the car around the same section a couple of times just to be sure that this wasn't a fluke.

Diesel topped and we went on a 25km long test drive. 5 in the city and 20 on a NH. This was his idea and I obliged.

Things I liked:

1. A very commanding seating position plus adjustable lumbar support is a boon for tall people like me
2. Refinement and NVHs are leaps and bounds ahead of the C-segment vehicles, specially at high speeds
3. Music system was great
4. Punchy engine
5. Very easy to drive regardless of the size

Things I didn't like:

1. AT Gearbox and power delivery feel a bit too slow and sluggish in the city drive mode
2. White leather on the steering wheel is a deal breaker
3. Glitchy 360 camera and AC controls but I was told that this has been fixed in newer models
4. Visibility from ORVMs isn't great
5. Puny Horn

Overall, I liked the car and now understand why most people go for the Dark Edition. If I get a long queue for the Thar Roxx then I might just buy the Safari. Accomplished plus 6 seater is my variant of choice.

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